With couples who enter marriage therapy complaining of communication problems, I sometimes offer them communication skill-building exercises as a way for them to talk more openly with each other. One such exercise follows, courtesy of Jennifer Louden in The Couples Comfort Book (HarperCollins, San Francisco):

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About the Author

Neil Rosenthal is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Denver/Boulder, Colorado, specializing in how people strengthen their intimate relationships. His internationally syndicated "Relationships" column is now in its 23rd year. Regularly interviewed by the media, Rosenthal has appeared as an expert on ABC, NBC, FOX and more. He is the author of Love, Sex and Staying Warm: Keeping the Flame Alive.